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Media Release: CBSA Officers Rally for Respect in Regina

REGINA - At noon today (Tuesday, December 19, 2017) Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Customs and Immigration Union (CIU – a component of PSAC) members and allies will be taking their message of fairness to the Regina offices of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Members will be rallying in support of ongoing national bargaining efforts for members of the FB group (Border Services). After 3.5 years at the bargaining, the employer is still pushing for concessions that devalues the work our members perform on behalf of all Canadians and most insulting, is refusing to provide parity with other law enforcement agencies. This includes a fair early retirement regime that reflects what is already in place for other law enforcement personnel in the federal public service. The FB Group is composed of more than 8,000 members working without a contract since June 2014.

“CBSA is Canada’s second largest armed law enforcement agency,” said Brea Lewis, Branch President of CIU Saskatchewan Branch 40031, and FB bargaining team member. “Our members work hard and keep Canada’s borders safe in dangerous times. It is long past time to recognize their true role as law enforcement officers and compensate them accordingly.”

“This Liberal government said they would respect public service workers, but that doesn’t appear to be the case yet again,” said Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President of the PSAC Prairie Region. “Since Minister of Public Safety, Ralph Goodale has more than once refused to meet with us or accept our invitation to attend today’s event, we’re here to tell him enough is enough: It is shameful that these officers have been without a contract for 3.5 years. Stop pushing for concessions. Treat border services officers with the respect they deserve.”

Today’s event is part of a national campaign by CIU and PSAC to not only showcase the important work our members do 24/7 for Canadians but also to send a message to the employer and Federal Government that FB members deserve respect in the workplace and at the bargaining table.